To say it’s been a whirlwind since Thursday night for Paolo Banchero, whom the Orlando Magic drafted with the No. 1 general decide, could be an understatement.
That’s particularly as a result of the 19-year-old was surrounded by uncertainty till moments earlier than NBA commissioner Adam Silver took the draft stage at Barclays Center in New York City.
The Magic, who’ve taken satisfaction in being one of many league’s extra tight-lipped organizations, saved the key about whom they had been going to take with the highest decide so properly that even Banchero wasn’t certain he’d be chosen No. 1.
Banchero knew he had an opportunity.
But he mentioned it wasn’t till his agent Mike Miller, the previous NBA participant the Magic drafted with the No. 5 select of the University of Florida in 2000, advised him “congratulations” 30 seconds earlier than Silver took the stage that Banchero knew he’d be the highest decide.
“[Miller] was just telling me to stay ready and be prepared,” mentioned Banchero, mentioned. “It happened pretty fast. … It probably took me 20-30 minutes to really calm down. I was just so filled with emotions.”
The whirlwind didn’t cease there.
Interviews with national media outlets occurred between Thursday evening and Friday morning earlier than Banchero took a flight for Orlando.
It was when Banchero was alongside Caleb Houstan, whom the Magic drafted at No. 32, coach Jamahl Mosley and president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman on Friday afternoon contained in the Magic’s interview room at Amway Center that the magnitude of the latest hours started to resonate.
“I’d say landing here is when it kind of really hit me,” Banchero mentioned, “that I’m part of the Magic and that I was the No. 1 pick.”
Added Houstan, a 2021 McDonald’s All-American who was a consensus former 5-star popping out of Montverde Academy earlier than taking part in one season on the University of Michigan: “A lot of excitement happened. A lot of emotions. Just really glad I ended up here.”
The Magic are equally as pleased they’ve Banchero and Houstan.
“From Day 1 we’ve constantly talked about IQ, character, versatility, winning mindset with our guys,” Mosley mentioned. “[Banchero] fits all of those things and more. The character of the guys we have on this team, [Banchero] fits that. Caleb fits that. That’s what we’re building and that’s what we’ll continue to build.”
Now the true work begins.
Banchero and Houstan could have a few weeks to get accustomed to the group earlier than serving to the Magic kick off the NBA’s summer season league in Las Vegas in opposition to the Houston Rockets on July 7 on ESPN.
The summer season league runs from July 7-17.
Banchero is aware of much more consideration might be placed on him because the No. 1 decide. He is accustomed to expectations. It comes with being a former 5-star and taking part in at Duke — particularly throughout coach Mike Krzyzewski’s ultimate season.
While Banchero is aware of this might be completely different, he’s embracing the Magic and the stress that comes with being a draft’s prime decide.
“It’s nothing I feel like I’m not used to,” mentioned Banchero, who had starred at O’Dea High School in Seattle. “It’s definitely different. I feel like I dealt with a lot of the same stuff this year. I had a couple of bad games and everyone has their opinions and whatnot, but you can’t pay attention to that. People are going to say what they’re going to say. As long as me and my coaches are on the same page, we’ll figure it out. I’m not worried about what’s being said on the outside.”
If there’s anybody near Banchero who understands what it takes to begin a profession properly, it’s his agent.
Miller gained the 2001 Rookie of the Year with the Magic to kick off a 17-year NBA profession.
“He’s just told me from the beginning how great of a place Orlando was, how much he liked it, how he still has great relationships here,” Banchero mentioned of Miller, who spent his first three seasons in Orlando. “He enjoyed his time here and I’m just blessed to be here. It’s funny how it all worked out.”
Miller, whose company LIFT Sports Management additionally represents Magic guard R.J. Hampton, referred to as Banchero a “foundational piece.”
“They did a lot of due diligence on him,” Miller said. “Guys like Paolo don’t work through the door very often. He makes the whole team better. Clearly, he’s the best player in this draft. He’s about to show it.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com